Nintendo released system and game sales figures for the Wii U and 3DS and to put things bluntly, the 3DS seems to be keeping Nintendo afloat. The handheld sold over a million units this quarter and moved a staggering 11 million games.
Now onto the Wii U. This is gonna hurt.
The Wii U has sold a whopping 160,000 units…from April to the end of June…GLOBALLY.
To put this simply: that is bad.
To put it in internal Nintendo speak: Are we fu**ed? We may be fu**ed. Fu**.
Only 160,000 systems in a three month period in every territory you sell in is no laughing matter. Even the Wii managed to sell over 200,00 systems in the same period. Total sales of the Wii U are sitting at 3.6 million after almost seven months of release with two new consoles on the horizon and Nintendo showing no signs of giving the system a price drop.
This has got to change. The only reason the [amazon_link id=”B002I096AA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]3DS[/amazon_link] took off after its horrific launch was the huge price cut the system received just months after its release. Nintendo noticed that people were not going to pony up $250 for the new handheld and slash its price by $80. If the [amazon_link id=”B009AGXH64″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Wii U[/amazon_link] is to even survive to see another console cycle then this has to be step one in its rehabilitation.
No one can blame Activision for contributing to the [amazon_link id=”B009AGXH64″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Wii U[/amazon_link] game drought. They have just announced that six games will be making their way onto Nintendo’s struggling console this fall including Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Really none of these are system sellers (since COD is on every system already) but it will at least give owners a few new things to think about getting, especially if you have kids.
Merry Christmas Johnny! It’s Spongebob and Call of Duty!
How was that for an E3? After a lackluster event last year, things sure did take a massive upswing this year with Sony and Microsoft bringing out the big guns for their new consoles. And it wasn’t just new shiny black boxes that stole the show. Developers brought their full support with a host of shiny new next-gen offerings. So let’s take a look at who the big winners and losers were from E3 2013.
WINNERS
*Sony
To say Sony won E3 is an understatement. They knew what they had to do to get people talking about the Playstation 4 and they did it. Show off the console. Check. Bring a quality lineup of games including a number of wonderful looking indie titles. Check. Punch Microsoft directly in the mouth when it comes to used games and online restrictions. Check. Absolutely floor everyone, me included, with an insane price point ($399). Check. Mission accomplished Sony. You have my pre-order.
*CD Projeckt Red
The Witcher 3 had already been revealed a few months back, but when you actually see the game in motion and realize that this is just the first generation of next-gen games, it truly excites to know what is coming. Plus, you know Geralt will probably totally bang one of those mermaids.
*EA
Talk about a surprise. I knew EA would be bringing their EA Sports lineup and a new Need For Speed to the table, but then they announced two of my most anticipated dream games ever I knew this was a different EA. A new Mirror’s Edge is coming to next-gen and even though it will not be a true sequel, but a reboot of sorts that gives Faith’s back story, I could not be more excited. Wait…now I am more excited because EA also hit us with the news that DICE is hard at work on a new Star Wars: Battlefront. Nicely done EA.
*Bungie
Bungie showed off the first gameplay for Destiny and showed just how ambitious this project is and how they how trying to blur the lines between single and multiplayer gaming.
*Crytek
Say what you will about quick-time events in games, I easily overlooked the abundance of them when I watched the Ryse: Son of Rome demo. That game caught my attention in the best way. Maybe it is the sheen of next-gen or just the fact that I would like a game to fulfill my bloodlust now that Spartacus is done, but either way, me likee.
*Ubisoft
Yes they have another Assassin’s Creed this year. And yes it looks beautiful. Here is hoping that the pirate setting can freshen things up. Ubisoft is on the win list because of Watch Dogs…for the second E3 in a row. The new demo gets me excited for a new IP from Ubisoft. Kind of like when the first Assassin’s Creed was released. Enjoy it now, because we will be complaining about Watch Dogs V in 2018.
LOSERS
*Microsoft
This is not an indictment on the quality of the games Microsoft showed off at E3. They did a great job with the titles that were shown and there are some that I would genuinely consider purchasing an Xbox One for. This is for Microsoft’s complete lack of tact in the way they have handled the blow back from the perceived “problems” of the Xbox One. From Don Mattrick’s completely asinine statement about buying an Xbox 360 if you have no internet to the incomplete list of countries that can “enjoy” Xbox Live on Xbox One come launch, it was one stumble after another on the PR end. It was a weird week for Microsoft. So weird in fact, that I am not sure if it was a solid showing for a new system or a complete clusterfu** that gave control back to Sony.
*Nintendo
Photo courtesy wiiudaily.com
This was the second E3 Nintendo needed a home run and it is the second time in a row they fell short. Last year they failed to sell people on needing a Wii U and this year they did the same thing. You would think that with what was delivered people would be clamoring for their own Gamepad and system. Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, a new Donkey Kong game from Retro and yet it felt…flat. I liked the new gravity defying antics of Mario Kart and after that it gets disappointing. While Super Mario 3D World is a 3D Mario game (which was promised), I think we were all expecting something more along the lines of Super Mario Galaxy and not a sequel to a 3DS game. Retro doing Donkey Kong is great and all, but the way it was being teased you would think they were bringing back Metroid or working on a new StarTropics game. And there was no Zelda which is cool if they did not have anything ready…but they did! Nintendo has said that they were going to show off the new HD Zelda and decided not to. They do realize their system is tanking and they HAVE TO give gamers a reason to be excited, right?
Well, at least there is Smash Bros.
*Ouya
Yeah, the Kickstarter darling was at E3, though not in a traditional way. It is quite the funny story of tit for tat that makes both the Ouya and ESA look a bit childish. Just give this a read and see that the most fun stuff may have been happening outside the complex.
As expected, Mario Kart is making its way to the Wii U, but the news that will bring a smile to your face is in the first video for the racer, when you see the vehicles can now drive on ceilings and walls and under streets F-Zero style. This makes for some insane looking races in the video and I can only imagine the fun that will ensue when you get four players involved in your home or more online.
I was hoping that Mario Kart 8 would not be more of the same and I am more than pleased to say it is not.
During the Nintendo Direct today, a new trailer for the HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker was shown and there is no other way to say it…this game is freaking beautiful. Wind Waker was always the dark horse of the Zelda franchise (despite being the brightest…irony), but has grown to be loved in the ten years since its release. The Wii U version will come with a new feature called the Tingle Bottle. Despite sounding oddly dirty, the new feature will let Wii U messages randomly show up on the shore in players games so, like Sting, you can have a message in a bottle.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker releases this October for Wii U.
I know, I know, the title of the article is a bit misleading because if this was simply about that question it would be ending with this:
No. No they can not.
Damn, that was a bit anti-climatic.
Microsoft and Sony will own E3 simply because of the new shiny systems they are bringing to the party. Add to that the fact that Nintendo is not even putting on a big press conference and it would seem that the Big N is giving up what very little ground it has. But I am beginning to think that their different approach to E3 may be exactly what Nintendo needs to have more focus put on them. Nintendo has always done things their own way, no matter if it helps or hurts them. This year they will be putting on a series of Nintendo Direct streams during E3 showcasing what the future holds for the ailing Wii U and their handheld giant 3DS. Nintendo is also partnering with Best Buy to bring a bit of E3 to the masses by having E3 game demos playable in 89 stores nationwide.
There is no doubt that Nintendo will be a distant third when E3 is over in terms of gamer mindshare, but they can still come out of the year’s biggest video game show with a brighter outlook on the future of the Wii U. Here are a few reasons why.
Photo courtesy pixelenemy.com
Wii U Price Reduction
This is not confirmed in any way, but many are thinking that E3 will be the perfect time to announce a price drop for the Wii U. I don’t mean a basic price drop either. I am talking taking the 3DS “shit we’re in trouble” route. A normal price drop would be to take the basic set from $299 to $249 and the deluxe from $349 to $299, but when Nintendo cut the price of the 3DS mere months after its launch they slashed it from $249 to $169. This is what they need to do with Wii U. Let’s face it, go in any retailer and Wii U systems are sitting on the shelves. Sales are abysmal and there is no polite way to put that there are no games to play. With a big fall planned software wise, this summer should be when we get a cheaper Wii U and get familiar with it. I hope Nintendo takes this chance to get the Wii U into more homes by cutting the price of the basic set from $299 to $199 and the deluxe from $349 to $279 ($249 would be better, but I don’t see that happening).
Bring The Heavy Hitters
This is a easy one to call since Nintendo has already promised multiple Mario titles and a new Smash Bros. This is a good start. Even with everyone jumping from the Wii U like a sinking ship when Nintendo shows up at E3 showing off the new 3D Mario, Mario Kart U, Super Smash Bros and Yoshi Yarn, it will at least get people looking in Nintendo’s direction. I think they also have a couple of aces up their sleeves with Zelda being the main one I think could make a surprise splash. Even if the game is a ways off (which is always when a new Zelda game is shown), just having the franchise show up in a “more than tech demo” form in crisp HD will instantly have fanboys singing praises again.
Retro Studios is supposed to be in Nintendo’s corner with their brand new game which is rumored to be a sequel to their classic StarTropics. This could go a long way in deciding whether I take the plunge this year for a Wii U.
These next two are not rumors, just one fansboys hope that Nintendo will swing for the fences with the Wii U this year. Starfox and/or Metroid. In any shape or form for the Wii U. We have three classic Metroid Prime games and I would not mind a follow-up or a new direction for Samus. Starfox has been lying dormant for far too long and is in need of a revival. With the Wii U struggling Nintendo needs to call on all of their franchises to help out.
Photo courtesy polygon.com
Hold Serve With The 3DS
This is the one thing it is almost impossible for Nintendo to screw up. The 3DS is a money machine and there is no sign of it stopping. Here is the kicker; there is good reason it is booming because it has one of the best game libraries available and the next year is flush with quality titles that some consoles would kill to have. Want a quick rundown? The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, Mario Party 3DS, Project X Zone, Mario Golf: World Tour and Yoshi’s Island 3DS. Almost all of that is this year! At E3 all Nintendo has to do it hold up a 3DS and say, “this is what you want”.
It is weird to say, but there is almost as much pressure on Nintendo for this year’s E3 as there was last year when many thought they needed to hit a home run with the Wii U and they grounded out on the first pitch. Their home console is, for all intents and purposes, tanking and measures need to be taken to plug up the holes before the Wii U sinks completely. But as a lifelong Nintendo fanboy, I always have hope that there is better days ahead.
In a move that surprised a lot yesterday, Nintendo announced that they would not be holding the traditional large scale E3 press conference. They instead will be putting on smaller events that will focus on all the software they have coming up for the Wii U and 3DS.
I was initially surprised with the announcement, but then it became more apparent to me that Nintendo may have been moving towards this anyway. At last year’s E3, they had a large press conference as well as three of four separate events at the show or through Nintendo’s direct stream. Over the past year Nintendo has used their direct stream to announce their biggest games including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2.
Even with Nintendo’s exit from the big time press conference they have many promised huge games to show off including Super Smash Bros. and Mario for the Wii U.
Nintendo blew all Zelda fans away this morning on their 3DS direct stream when they announced The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 2, a true sequel to the SNES classic. The game will be releasing this holiday for the 3DS. A video will be made available later on the Nintendo eShop and we will have it for you here as soon as we get it.
The game takes place in the same world as A Link to the Past and features new locations and dungeons. Link will possess the ability to turn himself into a 2D sticker to make his way into various places by clinging to walls.
May I personally just say that I apologize to Nintendo for wondering why they would have a direct stream this morning to focus mainly on the 3DS. You have given me new Zelda. I am sorry sir.
Nintendo has announced that they will be hosting a direct stream on April 17th at 10AM EST and will give new information about upcoming 3DS releases. Just go to Nintendo.com to watch the stream and be sure to ask them why they are having another 3DS stream when the Wii U is the one in need of all of their support right now. The 3DS prints money so I think it is good to go for awhile.
We here at Nerd Rating love achievements and trophies. We are admitted whores for them, but when you think about it, the practice of gamerscores is only seven years old with the introduction of the Xbox 360. We have 30 years of backlogged video games that need to be updated! So that is what we are venturing to do. Our new feature called Retro Achievement List will look back at games of the past and give them a set of achievements to strive for even if they may not seem serious.
Today we will take a look at one of the most time consuming games to ever make its way into living rooms, Goldeneye. This game, for many, defined multiplayer for a generation. Hell, I could still pop this game in right now and lose hours just for nostalgia sake. Now we will take a trip down memory lane and give this classic the achievements it deserves.
Slappers only!!
Achievement Unlocked:
*Achievement #1
Die by a proximity mine because your “friend” changed the agreed upon rules as you went to go take a piss.
*Achievement #2
In a four player game, when one friend chooses Oddjob, hit them in the nuts and while two friends hold him down you must kill him ten times in a row to make the game fair for everyone.
*Achievement #3
During a “slappers only” match, your friend’s dad says, “that reminds me” and yells out his wife’s name. Leave quiet and unseen.
*Achievement #4
While playing on the Satellite level and your friend keeps singing the Dave Matthews song, threaten to strap him to an ATV if he doesn’t shut up.
*Achievement #5
Break your controller after dying from an unseen enemy behind those big ass leaves on the Jungle level. Finish game with shitty Mad Catz controller you bought for people you don’t like.
*Achievement #6
With your TV turned towards your bathroom, headshot the man on the toilet in Facility while you also sit on your throne. Laugh at the irony.
*Achievement #7
Delight in the rage that fills your friend as they can’t figure out how to work the watch laser to get off the train.
*Achievement #8
Before you begin any large scale Goldeneye tournament (8+ players), ask who everyone’s favorite Bond is. Any that answer Timothy Dalton are immediately disqualified and beaten with a sock full of oranges.
*Achievement #9
In any multiplayer match, kill the player with Parkinson’s five times in a row.
*Achievement #10
As your first enemy drops to his knees you must say this and forget that your very Christian mother is in the same room. Take in the awkward silence knowing Jesus hates you.
We want to hear from all of you also! What achievements would you add to Goldeneye? Leave us a comment below or tweet us your responses on Twitter (@nerdrating) and use the hashtag #RetroAchievementList
